Just as multinational corporations have forever changed the way food is grown on land to the detriment of public health, the environment, local communities and food quality itself, they are poised to do the same at sea.

Many fish-lovers would be horrified to learn that huge quantities of fish and shrimp are already being grown in giant nets, cages, and ponds where antibiotics, hormones and pesticides mingle with disease and waste.

For those of you not familiar with the concept practiced in many other places, ocean fish farming is authorizing commercial finfish operations in huge, often overcrowded cages in the Exclusive Economic Zone from 3 to 200 miles off shore in the open ocean.

Massive ocean fish farms have been operating in Canada and some other countries for many years. However, there are many reasons to halt or discontinue ocean fish farming: the negative impact on local fishing communities, escapes and inbreeding with wild fish, impact on habitat, abandoned and bankrupt facilities, waste and water pollution, and treating disease to mention a few.

The only appropriate way to address the consequences of expanding into U.S. waters is through enactment of appropriate legislation and standards, separate from the fisheries law.

Representative Peter DeFazio stepped up as a co-sponsor of H.R. 574, a bill that would provide a much needed time-out until Congress can address these concerns in a way that protects ocean fisheries and our local fishing communities and pass appropriate legislation authorizing such activities. (See http://bit.ly/qcEhT4)

Let Representative DeFazio know that you support HR 574. 800.944.9603. He wants to hear from you.

Gordon Clay
TheCitizensWhoCare.org